Men’s Sheds and community-based organisations across the country can again apply for up to $10,000 each through the second round of the Australian Government’s Shed Development Program.The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, who is also responsible for male health, said the funding round would give community groups an opportunity to establish new sheds or improve existing sheds.
“Community groups can use the funding to purchase work equipment, improve disability access, obtain shed insurance or connect to utilities.”
The Gillard Government is providing $750,000 over three years through the Australian Men’s Shed Association to provide financial assistance to eligible men’s sheds across the country.
Mr Snowdon said the social support and camaraderie found in Men’s Sheds could significantly relieve the isolation and loneliness many Australian men experience.
“Men often form friendships as they work together, doing things that are traditionally done in sheds, like building furniture, fixing machinery and working on small projects to help other local community groups,” Mr Snowdon said.
The first funding round of the Shed Development Program was announced in February 2011 assisted 20 Men’s Sheds and recognised their valuable contribution to improving men’s health and wellbeing.
The program prioritises funding regions which do not have sheds; have high unemployment; or are establishing sheds for identified priority groups of males.
The funding to support men’s sheds is part of the $16.7 million committed by the Australian Government to improve male health under the National Male Health Policy. The policy provides a framework for improving the health of all males and achieving equal health outcomes, particularly for groups of males at risk of poor health.
The Shed Development Program Guidelines and application form are at www.mensshed.org
posted 7 April 2011
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